What Are Fiddlehead Ferns?

This month, you may start to notice fiddleheads at the farmers’ market. As the name suggests, these green veggies have a curled shape that resembles the top of a fiddle or violin. They are a good source of iron and fiber and make for a striking vegetable dish. Fiddleheads are also an excellent source of vitamins A and C.

Fiddlehead ferns are often described as having a flavor and texture similar to asparagus, and consequently they are prepared similarly. Simple preparation techniques, like boiling, tossing with olive oil and salt, and serving with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, lend themselves well for this particular vegetable.

When you’re shopping for fiddleheads, choose ones that are tightly curled at the top and have a vibrant green color. When not fresh, the coils will become mushy and the color will brown.

These whimsical veggies need to be cooked, as certain varieties are not safe to eat raw. Fiddleheads can be foraged, but it’s best to get them from the farmers’ market or someone who is able to distinguish which are edible.